repaired · 2025 Q4
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2013 Kia Optima HybridProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 56 owner complaints about the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-652 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 22, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid has problems
56 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
22Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
14Engine
10Service brakes, hydraulic
7Power train
5Vehicle speed control
5Hybrid propulsion system
5Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
4Steering
3Electronic stability control (ESC)
85 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 22 | 1 |
| Engine | 14 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 10 | 0 |
| Power train | 7 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 0 |
| Hybrid propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 1 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 3 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 8 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Engine
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other Optima Hybrid year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Optima Hybrid median. How we score
'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid safety ratings
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
7 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Non-crash Vehicle FiresLed to recall 19V-204
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
- Electrical overstressLed to recall 20V-024
- Engine FiresLed to recall 23V-877
- Non-crash Vehicle FiresLed to recall 20V-519
In owners' words
What Optima Hybrid owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I took my car to riverchase Kia to get a battery and to get the battery installed I have the invoice I was charged $762 and he also told me that he was doing some recalls on wiring and he told me he completed it well recently I was driving and the brakes gave out on me he was supposed to do a…
Based on reading some service forms, it seems it may be the hydraulic booster, causing the issue. In order for them to take a look at the brakes system. I was charged a upfront diagnostics fee of $316. While driving warning light comes on " Check brake system " then the car slows down to 10mph…
I googled and a recall # SC200TE showed it was uncompleted. I called Holly Kia in Felton, Delaware, and they informed me my title is "branded" and therefore not covered under recalls. Then i google the recall again and now its gone.
Own a 2013 Optima Hybrid?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.